When Life Gets Busy: Choosing Faith Over Frenzy
- Rachel Johnson
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
If you're like our family, your calendar probably looks a lot like a game of Tetris - school, events, practices, games, church commitments, community projects, family gatherings, and the never-ending list of to-dos that somehow grow every week - LIKE LAUNDRY! :)
I get it. I really do. We are a family that is BUSY - sometimes too busy. And I'll be honest: we haven't always gotten the balance right. There have been seasons in life when we let busyness crowd out what truly mattered, even with good things - sports, volunteering, serving others, etc. But somewhere along the way, God gently reminded us; good things can still get in the way of the best things.
What Are You Saying "Yes" To?
One conversation my husband had years ago still sticks with me. As a coach, he once heard, “Your kids will have church for the rest of their lives — but sports are only for now.” Maybe you’ve heard that too. I understand the heart behind it — but the problem is that lifelong habits don’t form overnight. They’re planted now. The things our kids see us saying yes to — and no to — are shaping their view of what really matters.
In Proverbs 4:23, we’re told, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
That applies to our family calendars, too. The commitments we guard, the margin we protect, the church community we prioritize — all these choices train our hearts and our kids’ hearts to love what matters most.
We've Had to Say "No" Too
I remember one season when one of our kids really wanted to join another activity. Their friends were in it. It was “good.” But when we looked at our calendar, we knew it would take away every ounce of family time we had left that month. We said no — and it stung. They didn’t understand it then, and honestly, we wrestled with it too. But looking back, I can see the fruit of that no.
I’m not telling you to pull your kids out of everything — only you know what’s right for your family. But I do want to encourage you to take a step back. Ask: What is this “yes” costing us? Will it build our family’s faith or quietly pull us away from it?
📖 Faith is Woven Into the Everyday
I love how Deuteronomy 6:6–7 paints such a simple, beautiful picture:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Faith was never meant to be squeezed in when it’s convenient. It’s meant to be the thread that runs through our days — bedtime prayers, mealtime blessings, car ride conversations, church together, even the moments when we admit, “We’re tired, but we’re going to keep showing up.”
💛 A Few Practical Ideas
So what does this look like when life is already busy? Here are a few gentle ideas:
Have a calendar conversation: Sit down as a family. Look at where you feel stretched thin. Pray over it.
Guard your gathering time: Make Sunday mornings or midweek gatherings a non-negotiable. It sets an anchor.
Keep it simple: Family devotionals don’t have to be fancy. Read a Psalm before bed. Pray on the way to practice.
Talk about your choices: Let your kids hear why you’re saying no to something — so they learn to see the “why” behind your family’s yes.
A Final Encouragement
Friend, you only get your kids under your roof for a short window of time. The habits you model now will help shape the choices they make when they’re on their own. It’s not about perfection — you won’t get it all right, and neither do we. But it is about being intentional.
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
When we put Him first, He helps us see what really matters!
Keep Building
If this encouraged you, you might also love my latest podcast episode on this same topic — Making Time for Faith — Balancing Busy Schedules with Intentional Practices. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! And if it blessed you, would you share it with a friend? You never know who might need the reminder that your family’s faith foundation is worth protecting.
💛 Let’s Build Homes on His Promises, Together
You’re not alone in this. I’m right here with you — learning, struggling, choosing gratitude day by day.
👉 Listen to the full podcast episode here: Apple Podcast
👉 Follow along on Facebook and Instagram: @Home Built on His Promises
I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or share this with a fellow parent who could use encouragement!
With gratitude and hope,
Rachel
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